HELPING THE NXT GENERATION
During our development we have recognized the gap that exists for professionals who might already have taken their first steps in their careers. There are moments in all of our lives where we make changes, whether that is starting a new role, losing a job, getting a promotion, changing industries, wanting to redefine or establish ourselves, or changing careers. When these things happen, it is important that each of us has the tools and skills needed to excel and find success in whatever new opportunity awaits.
Soft skill development is something that takes place throughout our entire lives. There is not a single point in our lives where we should stop working on ourselves. That is why we feel strongly about providing all the tools that we have built on CMA NXT to everyone and anyone searching for resources to help upskill and improve their soft skill and professional development.
When we first created CMA NXT, we were looking to solve one problem.
The gap between post-secondary education and professional life. It’s a problem that has existed for years, and we wanted to address it and help the next generation of marketers and young professionals’ transition into their careers with ease. We successfully launched CMA NXT Beta in November of 2019 to do just that and we were able to speak to our audience, students effectively. What we learned though, was that people don't just face struggles early on in their careers. We all go through points of struggle at all stages of our professional journeys, where we need a helping hand. That is why CMA NXT is not just a platform for students, but a platform and a community for every professional.
Below you will find the vision and purpose that we set out with, when we first started CMA NXT.
During CMA NXT Beta, The Canadian Marketing Association team got together to share their excitement about how CMA NXT will benefit the next generation of marketers.
Hear what the team had to say!
WHY RBC HAS PARTNERED WITH THE CMA
RBC is dedicated to helping the youth of today for the jobs of tomorrow, and with CMA NXT, they are giving back to the community and to the NXT generation of marketers and young professionals. As our founding lead sponsor, they have helped us make this platform accessible to all youth in Canada! We are so thrilled to have their support!
Alan Depencier - RBC
SVP & Chief Marketing Officer, P&CB Marketing and Insurance
You can find Alan lounging on the beach at his cottage during the summer with his wife and kids or hanging at the hockey rink during the winter. Having grown up on a farm, he is probably the only marketing professional in Toronto who can drive an 18- wheeler as well as write a creative brief. Of course he had a CB Radio handle, just don’t ask what it was.
Jennifer Howard - RBC
VP Marketing, Digital, Cards, Payments & Personal Banking
Jennifer is an avid sports fan and golfer, loves to explore her creativity through cooking and has been proud to carry the title of Baseball Mom for more than 15 years. In her spare time she is also a VP at RBC overseeing Cards, Payments, Banking and Digital Marketing.
Elyse Stievenart - RBC
Senior Marketing Manager, Strategic Partnerships
Elyse is a marketer by day and a self-proclaimed home organizing expert by night. She loves traveling and has a passion for home design. Elyse is a Sr. Manager in Strategic Partnerships at RBC and the best part of her job is collaborating with other brands to bring Canadians more value.
Ameerah Razac - RBC
Marketing Manager, Cards & Personal Banking
Ameerah is an imaginative Marketing Manager with experience spearheading campaigns on both the marketing and agency side. She is passionate about seeking ways to deliver breakthrough creative and the best personalized & connected experience for consumers. As an avid lover of fitness, in her downtime you can find her riding to the beat in a spin class.
As a student, a recent grad, or someone just looking for that extra edge, you have the foundational technical skills that you've learned in your post-secondary programs to be successful. What you might be missing or haven't had an opportunity to really focus on and build, is your emotional intelligence quotient or better known as EQ. In order to make a lasting impression on perspective employers, you need to not only have a strong EQ, technical capabilities, but you also need to understand how YOU fit into the marketing landscape and where you want to be. We want to help you make informed decisions on what your NXT steps are!
CMA NXT will help you get the transferable skills you need to succeed in the marketing industry. You will have the chance to get a glimpse into the industry, see the different roles within marketing and even see the variance between different companies. This will help you when you are deciding on what companies and roles to apply for.
CMA NXT will explore video content in different categories titled, Roles in Marketing, Marketing Yourself, What’s NXT?, and will also feature The Experience hub where you will find experiential opportunities. We have brought industry professionals and thought leaders right to your fingertips! They share their insights on what it takes to be in their roles, give you advice on how to be successful, how to land your first job, what is going to impact the future of the industry, and everything in between.